Let's Be Crazy (Oh Captain, My Captain Book 4) (4 page)

Ashton

Lexie has been even more hardheaded than I thought she would be. She’s not letting up at all. Today, I’m supposed to have one big sleepover at my house with Reed and Brooke since I was gone a lot last week, but first I’m making a little pitstop. I’ve been thinking that maybe if I step it up a bit, take it to the next level, then Lexie might finally say yes. I’m not sure why I’m trying so hard for one date, but I’m finding it difficult to stop. She’s beautiful and has one hell of an attitude. All I want is one date to learn more about her. If she still hates my guts after that, or I discover that she’s just as crabby as she seems, then I’ll leave her alone.

But not until I get my chance.

With a bag filled with a box of chocolate-dipped strawberries and two bottles of wine, I walk into the building where I know I’ll find Lexie. I’m changing it up a little because she honestly might be tired of the flowers. Tiffany happily provided the directions to her office, so here I am, hoping a personal appearance might help.

Lexie’s facing away from me, searching through a small filing cabinet. I rap my knuckles on the open wooden door and she turns at the sound, her shoulders dropping immediately. Despite her reaction, I smile.

“No flowers.” I hold up the bag as proof. Her mouth parts, but I keep going. “Before you can say anything, I won’t be here long. I only wanted to give you this.” I set the gifts on her desk.

“Why won’t you give up?” she mumbles. She can’t help but peer to see what I’ve brought her, though. Maybe she’s starting to warm up to me.

“Why won’t you say yes? It’s one measly date, Lexie.”

She glares at me, crossing her arms over her chest. “I have my reasons,” she says evenly.

“If you really wanted to get rid of me, all you would have to do is go on a date and then I’ll leave you alone.”

“Sounds counterproductive,” Lexie comments dryly.

I laugh. “Well, think about it. I’m going to keep my word and not stay long. Have a great day, Lexie, and enjoy the strawberries and wine.” I give her my best, most genuine smile before turning and walking away.

Once I get home, I start getting things ready. There’s cooking to be done as well as rearranging the furniture. Whenever we do the sleepovers, I put down a large air mattress and cover it with three sleeping bags and a bunch of pillows. All of Reed’s favorite movies and board games are out, plus a new one for us to try. With that done, I start cooking.

“Dad!” Reed’s voice yells about an hour later when he bursts through my door.

“Hey, little man. Where’s your mom?” I ask, looking to see that she’s not right behind him.

“Getting her bags.” He rolls his eyes. Brooke always brings like three bags over.

“Well, go be a gentleman and help her carry them in.”

“Yes, sir,” he nods before running back out the door.

They return moments later and get settled in, Brooke coming into the kitchen with me and Reed going to watch TV. From the corner of my eye as she helps me cook, I see her mouth part, close, open, and then close again.

“Say it already.”

She glances at me with surprise. “What?”

“Whatever you want to say, say it.”

Brooke looks in the direction of where Reed is before quietly asking, “Who’s Lexie Allen?”

“How do you know her?” I frown in confusion.

“Sadie, the little girl Reed has been playing with?” I nod. “That’s her mom.”

Lexie is a mom? She’s Sadie’s mom? “Why are you asking me who she is? How do you know I know her?”

“We were at a playdate last week and her friend came over. Your name was mentioned because apparently you’ve been trying to convince her to go on a date with you. Why didn’t you tell me? I mean, I’m glad you’re getting out there, but…”

“There’s nothing to tell, Brooke. I’m having a hard enough time asking her out. I didn’t know she had a daughter, though.” Not that I can blame her for not mentioning it. I haven’t told her about Reed. “Wait. Does she know -”

“No,” Brooke cut me off. “They think I’m a fan of yours, but I didn’t tell her anything. It’s not my place. Although, Reed almost let the cat out of the bag when they were talking about the Gamblers. I hurried out of there when he started talking about his Uncle Jax. I only want to be Reed’s mom for now. Lexie is really nice, but she sure doesn’t like you.”

I frown. “You make it sound like I ruin everyone’s friendships.”

“Ash.” She rests her hand on my arm. “You know that’s not what I meant. I just don’t want me or Reed in the middle, especially if you’re trying to date her.”

At least I already know our kids get along well. “So what do you know about her?”

Brooke shakes her head. “I’m not telling you anything. Not my place and I’m not getting in the middle. But,” she drags the word out, “I will say that you might be the perfect guy to get her back into the dating game.”

Before I can respond, Reed pushes his way to stand between us. “Can I help? Do you have any game highlights to tell me about, Dad?”

I sit him up on the counter. “Of course I do. You know, you could be a hockey player like me if you wanted to. Do you want to play?”

Reed looks slightly nervous all of a sudden. “Um.” He glances at Brooke, so I follow his gaze, but she seems as confused as I am. “I don’t want to play, Dad. I’m sorry.” He hangs his head like he’s disappointed me.

“Hey, why are you sorry?”

He lifts his head. “Because I don’t want be a hockey player like you.”

“That’s okay. You don’t have to be like me, Reed. You can do whatever you want.”

He seems to perk up. “Could I play baseball again this year then? I really liked that.”

“Sure, if your mom is okay with it.”

“We’ll work it out once it’s time to sign you up, okay?”

Reed nods. “Oh! Guess what, Dad? There’s going to be a play, and I’m going to play one of the songs I learned on the piano.”

“Really? That’s pretty cool, little man. You’ll be great.” Reed loves music, so Brooke started him on piano lessons and he loves going.

“I’ve been practicing really hard. Are you going to come?”

“When is it?” I glance at Brooke.

“I’ll have to look. I’m not sure of the date.”

Facing a hopeful Reed, I nod. “I’ll do everything in my power to be there.” To stay undercover, I could sneak in right after it starts and hide out in the back. I don’t want any attention to be on me when it should all be on those kids.

We finish cooking, then eat dinner as Reed talks about school, piano lessons, and Sadie. I swear I’ve never seen him talk about someone as much as he’s talked about his new best friend. After dinner, Reed wants to play games, so he thoughtfully looks over his selection before making a choice.

This is what I love the most. My son, my best friend, and us just having fun, laughing and spending time with one another. I love my little family. I’m so thankful that they are in my life because I would be lost without them.

Later, we’re all snuggled into our sleeping bags with Reed in the middle. The lights and TV are off because it’s bedtime. The silence doesn’t last five minutes before Reed speaks up.

“Mom? Dad? How come everyone doesn’t have a dad?”

I lift my head to look at him. “What makes you ask that?” I question him.

Brooke lifts her head too, but I can’t tell what she’s thinking because the nightlight is behind her.

“Sadie. She said her daddy lives in a happier place, watching over her. How come? She said that he loves her, but he doesn’t play with her. Why isn’t her dad here to play with her like you play with me?”

My son has left me speechless. Sadie’s father is dead? I couldn’t imagine raising Reed without Brooke. I couldn’t imagine losing her either.

“I know that if her dad could be here to play with her, he would be,” Brooke answers him. Faintly, I wonder if she knew about this. “Sometimes, a mom or a dad can’t be around to play with their child.”

“But why not? Does he go places like Dad for work? Why doesn’t he come visit her then?” Reed peppers us with questions, not grasping that her dad isn’t alive.

“I don’t know. Maybe you should focus on being her friend for now,” she suggests.

He’s quiet for a few seconds. “Dad?”

“Yeah, little man?”

“Do all dads go live somewhere else? Will you ever leave me and Momma like Sadie’s dad did and I won’t ever see you again?”

My heart hurts that he’s thinking these things, and even worse for Sadie and Lexie. If she lost him, no wonder she doesn’t want to date. I don’t know how long ago this happened or anything. Only that he’s no longer here. “No,” I reassure him. “I won’t ever leave you or your mom.”

Part of me feels like I should apologize to Lexie for so blatantly pursuing her when I don’t know her full story. Then again, Tiffany said it had been a while since someone has flirted with her or done something sweet for her. I have a lot of questions, but it’s really none of my business. Maybe Lexie will eventually say yes and I can get to know
her
, and whatever that entails.

Lexie

I lay my head back on the headrest of my chair. I’m tired, hungry, and stressed all at the same time. Is this how people spontaneously combust? My cell phone buzzing on my desk makes me groan in pain. If this is the Steinbergs again, I swear I’m pulling out of the contract.

“Hello?”

“Lexie, it’s Brooke.” She sounds frantic.

“What is it?”

“Reed is sick. The school just called me. I’m stuck in a meeting, and my boss will kill me if I leave right now. Reed’s dad is supposed to be arriving from the airport soon, but I can’t reach him. Could you go get him? Please, I’m begging.”

“It’s fine. I’m about to take lunch. Call the school and let them know I’ll get him. We’ll go to my house. Let his dad know.”

“Listen, when his dad comes over, I’ll explain everything later. I promise. Thank you so much. I owe you big time.”

I’m not sure what she means, but I can’t let a sick kid remain at school. “No problem. I’m on my way.” I hang up and grab my stuff.

When I pull up to the school, I put in the code to let me into the office. Brooke had already called, and Reed is waiting for me. The poor boy. He’s pale, and you can easily see he’s sick. I take his hand and lead him out to my car. I strap him into Sadie’s booster seat, and we head to my house. Reed is usually talking my ear off, and he hasn’t said a word to me yet. Once we get inside the house, he stands by the door.

“Come on, Reed.” I guide him over to the couch and help him take off his coat. “Lie down here, and I’ll turn on SpongeBob. Okay?”

He nods.

I give him an encouraging smile as he curls up under the blanket. I turn on the TV, and I feel his head. He’s very warm. I decide to take his temperature, and call Brooke. She tells me that his dad should be here soon and he’ll take him to the doctor.

“Hey, Reed.” I bend down close to him. “Your dad’s on his way, okay?”

He nods, and I’m afraid that he’s about to cry.

Poor little boy.

I go to the kitchen and get a small glass of water for him. I’m not sure if he’s allergic to anything, so I don’t want to chance it. He takes a couple small sips, but lays his head back down. After a couple episodes of that annoying yellow sponge and his friends, there’s a knock on the door. That has to be his dad.

I almost fall over when I open the door.

“What are you doing here?”

“I’m here to pick up my son.” Ashton’s hazel eyes stare me down.

“Your son?”

“Reed Campbell.”

My mouth drops. Are you kidding me? “Reed? Reed is your son?”

“Okay.” He steps closer to me. “Not that I don’t enjoy our little talks, because I really do, but right now I’m more concerned about my son.”

I shake my head. “Of course.” I step out of the way, and he walks into my house.

“Daddy,” Reed’s tiny voice squeaks out.

“Hey, little man.” He bends down to him. “I’m here. Let’s get you to the doctor.” Ashton picks up his son, and I help put on his jacket. Ashton thanks me and heads out the door.

I shake my head. I can’t believe that Brooke is Ashton’s best friend. And my daughter’s best friend is Ashton’s son. This day keeps getting better and better. I send Tiffany a quick text, letting her know that I’m not coming back in. I clean up the living room and realize that Reed forgot his book bag.

“Crap.” I check my watch. I have to get Sadie soon, but I call Brooke first. “Thanks for telling me that Ashton Campbell is his dad.” I don’t want to be pissed off, but I am a little bit.

“Yeah,” she sounds sad. “I don’t mention it to people. Most of the girls want to be my friend to get to him.”

Well, she doesn’t have to worry about that from me.

“I’m sorry, I should have told you.”

I sigh. “It’s fine.” I wonder if he told her how he’s been sending me gifts and asking me out every single day. “Hey, Reed forgot his bag. Do you want me drop it off at your house? Do you need his bag?”

“Actually I do. Could bring it to Ashton’s house?”

Oh great. That’s what I need, to see him again. “Fine, text me the address. I’ll drop it off after I pick up Sadie.”

“Thank you.”

I lightly bang my head against the wall. How do I get myself into these situations? I give up trying to figure out a way to get out of this. It’s for Reed anyway. I jump into my car and head to the school. Like always, Sadie is waiting for me with her Hello Kitty bag and matching knitted cap.

“Hi, Mom.”

“Hey, Sadie. We need to take a quick trip before we go home.”

“Where are we going?”

“To Reed’s dad house. Reed is sick, and he forgot his book bag.”

“Okay.”

In my head, I figure that Ashton would live in a MTV Cribs-like mansion. I’m wrong. His house isn’t much bigger than mine. I roll my eyes. This guys is full of surprises, but I don’t care because I’m still not going to date him.

Brooke’s car is in the driveway along with a large black Chevy truck. That has to be Ashton’s. I grab Sadie’s hand. We walk up the sidewalk and knock on the door. Thankfully, Brooke answers the door.

“I don’t know how to thank you.” She hugs me, pulling me inside.

Great, now
I’m
in Ashton Campbell’s house.

“It’s no problem.” I hand her his bag. “Well, we should go.” I turn to the door, but Brooke stops me again.

“Wait, please let me explain. I really am sorry.”

I look over at her. “It’s okay. I know your situation is hard.”

“I don’t have any friends, and Reed’s only one is Sadie. We don’t tell people because we’re both tired of being used. Most people just want playoff tickets, or other more
adult
reasons,” she explains, without saying that it’s about sex.

I like Brooke, and Sadie loves Reed. Truth is, Reed is Sadie’s only friend too. I know how hard it is to explain to small children that you don’t have a daddy because he’s in heaven.

“Brooke, it’s fine. I mean it. Nothing will change. I promise.”

“One thing could change.” She gives me a small grin.

“What?”

She looks down at Sadie, then back at me. “That
question
that keeps being asked to you, you could say ‘yes’.”

Great. Not her too. I know that she’s talking about Ashton asking me out. I thought he might have told her, but now I have my confirmation. “I don’t know.”

I don’t know.
I had been firmly saying ‘no’ for the past week and a half. Crap, maybe he is wearing me down.

Brooke steps to my right, leaning in so Sadie doesn’t hear her. “He’s a great guy. And I can tell you I’ve
never
seen him going after anyone this hard before. It’s one date. What could it hurt?”

I bite down on my lip. It could hurt Reed and Sadie’s friendship. Then again, this is the first time I’d actually seen him, and he travels a lot. “I think we need to leave.” I give her a small smile.

She nods. “Here. Let me give you some gas money or something.”

I shake my head. “No, it’s fine, really. I know you would do it for me.”

“I’ve got it, Brooke.” Ashton comes around the corner, reaching into his back pocket.

My heart jumps a little. His t-shirt is tight around his arms, and his jeans are hanging a little low with his boxers peeking out.

“Really. It’s fine.” I hear my voice crack.

Ashton comes and stands next to Brooke.

“Hey, I know you!” Sadie exclaims. “My mom hates you.”

“Sadie,” I growl at her.

“Well, you do, right? He’s that hockey guy.” Sadie looks confused now.

Ashton and Brooke laugh.

“Sadie, I am that guy. Your mom doesn’t like my team, huh?” Ashton bends down to her.

“No, she hates the Bears,” Sadie confirms.

I have the urge to bolt out of this house before she says anything else.

“Do you hate the Bears?” Ashton asks.

“I don’t like hockey very much, but Mommy loves it,” she says brightly. “Can I see Reed?”

“Let me take you,” Brooke offers. “He isn’t contagious. I think his dad gave him too many chicken nuggets the other night.” Brooke shoots Ashton a mean glance.

She takes Sadie’s hand, and now I’m alone with Ashton. In his house.

Crap.

“You have a nice house. I figured it would be some huge mansion on the hill, though.”

“Thank you. If you would ever say yes to me, then you would know that I’m not a guy who needs or wants a big house. I have enough trouble keeping this clean after Reed stays.”

“I know what you mean. Sadie is a messy kid too. Um, but I think we should be going.”

“No need to rush. Our kids are best friends, and I need to take advantage of you being in my house. Would you like to go out with me? Let’s list a few reasons why you should. One, I’ll repeat that our kids are best friends. Two, I’m an awesome dad and person, if I say so myself, but I can get references, if you wish. Three, there is really no reason you should say no. Four, you’re beautiful and a great mom to Sadie, and you deserve a date night.”

“First, don’t use the children as pawns in your game. Second, if I do say yes, will you stop sending roses every day? I have no more room in my office.”

“I already told you if you’d say yes and go out with me, then I would leave you alone if a second date is out of the question. You are running the show, Lexie. So what’s it going to be? Yes, or should I go ahead and call about more flower deliveries?”

“One date. You get one date, and after that no more. Okay?”

A large smile spreads across his face. “I could kiss you right now, but I’ll save that for my one and only date.” He winks.

I roll my eyes. “I’m only doing this so you’ll leave me alone. Now, I’m going to go get Sadie. You have my number already. Just let me know when, so I can line up a sitter.”

“I will definitely do that. Here, I’ll show you the way to his room.
Don't get any crazy ideas about stopping at my room first. There are kids in the house, you know.
”

“Are you going to be this perverted on the date? Because if you are, I’m canceling.”

“I’m a gentleman, Lexie. That’s all you should expect for our date.”

I don't say anything else, only follow him down the hall. Sadie is sitting on the side of the bed, holding Reed's hand. It cute how much she likes him.

"Come on, Sadie," I say softly.

"Bye, Reed. Bye, Miss Brooke." She jumps off the bed and takes my hand.

I smile at everyone and head back towards the front door. Well, I almost sprint to it.

"Hey, why don't we head over to Aunt Tiff's house?"

Sadie claps with excitement, and I drive to the other side of town.

~ ~ ~

"Well, if it isn't my favorite niece." Tiff kisses her cheek.

"I'm your only niece." Sadie laughs. Even though she doesn't understand, that's a sad statement. At least, it is for me.

Tiff takes her into the kitchen and hands her a cookie. Normally, I would be upset, but not when Tiff does it. She spoils Sadie worse than Mom and Dad. "So, to what do I owe this visit?"

"We just came from Reed's house. He's sick," Sadie says sadly.

"And we also learned today that Reed's dad is Ashton Campbell," I add.

Tiff gasps. "Shut up."

"And I said 'yes'."

Tiff stares at me, dumbfounded. Her mouth is agape. "Sadie, go watch TV."

She grabs another cookie and goes off to the living room.

"Tell me everything." She jerks on my arm to sit down at the kitchen table.

I tell her the entire story. How Ashton came over to the house and then I had to go to his. I told her how Brooke told me to say 'yes', and how I finally caved.

"This is the greatest day ever." Tiff's face is bright with excitement.

"I figured it would get him off my back."

"You're not excited at all?"

I shrug.

"I can't believe you."

"You want the truth?" She nods. "No one has pursued me like this since Tony." I did it. I finally said aloud the one thought that has been weighing on me.

"Lex, you're my best friend, and Tony was my twin brother, so please understand me when I say this. I miss him too. Every single day. However, he wouldn't want you to be sad. He would want you to date and find someone." Tiff tells me this all the time. I feel like she says it every day. I know what she means, but it’s still hard for me too. Tony was my soulmate. He loved me like no one else could. "Just go out with him and have fun. For one night, be crazy."

I roll my eyes. "Be crazy?"

"Yes. Do it. Do him, for Pete's sake."

I laugh. "I don't know about all that."

"Well, I know you've not been laid in at least three years."